"Hi there. I'm looking for some help with a part of riding that I should have mastered after so many years of riding: upward transitions to the canter. I've been riding for years, but had to take two years off due to an injury. Since starting again, I have difficulty achieving a smooth transition. I ride many different horses, and unless the horse is very keen and sensitive, our transitions aren't clean. My instructor often tells me that I'm over-riding the transition, and not to fuss over it. The problem is, I don't really feel that I am doing too much (though I obviously am!) I try just to sit tall and hold the contact, but often the horse rushes forward at a fast trot and I have to collect him again. I know it's very basic, but could you outline the best way to prepare for and ride through an upwards canter transition? I would very much appreciate it! Mo."

H&C blogger and proprietor of Contessa Riding Centre Tina Layton-Elliott BHSI replies: "Dear Mo, thank you for your question. Transitions are one of the most difficult parts of riding to master but are very important as the transition dictates the quality of the pace following it. It’s possible that you’re having problems because of your time off/injury. You won’t have been using the specific muscles required for riding so they maybe be a little unconditioned. Time and practice should remedy this though so not to worry.

To ride a canter transition, the trot must be active but not fast, with the horse in front of the leg and therefore responsive to the aids. Ride a half-halt to prepare the horse for the transition and then go into sitting trot, before sliding the outside leg back and think of lifting the horse with the inside leg at the girth to ask for canter. You must stay tall in your position and not collapse your middle whilst remaining soft through your lower back and seat. The contact should remain the same as in trot but be elastic to allow the horse to canter.

Remember each horse is slightly different so there may be slight variations in how far back you bring your outside leg and where you position your inside leg. If the canter aid is unclear then the horse will rush in trot, lose balance and become too fast to pick up the canter. You should also try and feel the right moment to ask for canter as this will help. This is when the outside fore and inside hind are on the ground, since the horse uses its outside hind to initiate the canter. You could also practice your sitting trot so that you are completely relaxed prior to riding the transition and also the horse is not then anticipating the transition.

Hope this helps. Good luck. Tina."